In a heartbreaking twist, Frances Yong, a former leader of a global fraud risk team at Standard Chartered Singapore, faced a devastating personal challenge: her mother, Boey Yut Wah, fell victim to a scam that wiped out her life savings.

The incident occurred during the pandemic in 2020 when Frances was unable to visit her mother in Malaysia due to travel restrictions. It wasn't until 2022, when they reunited, that Frances learned about the fraud—a shocking lucky draw scam that tricked her mother into divulging her banking details. Scammers not only wiped out one account but five, stealing a staggering six-figure sum.

Devastated, Frances made a life-changing decision. In September 2022, she left her prestigious banking job and founded White Byte, a consultancy dedicated to cybersecurity education, particularly for vulnerable communities.

From Grief to Empowerment

Frances's journey wasn't just about her professional transition; it was a deeply emotional response to witnessing her mother's psychological decline post-scam. Boey, once vibrant and active, became withdrawn, suffering from early dementia, which Frances attributed to the trauma of losing her savings. "My mum has gone from being dynamic and capable to a shadow of her former self," Frances shared.

A New Mission: Education and Prevention

Determined to prevent others from experiencing similar heartaches, Frances developed workshops to educate seniors and other vulnerable groups about online scams and cybersecurity. Recognizing that traditional educational methods often fail to reach those less digitally savvy, she customized her workshops and engaged volunteers to provide personalized support.

Her sessions cover everything from basic digital literacy to crucial safety practices, ensuring participants grasp essential concepts like phishing and identity theft. By adapting the curriculum to their needs, Frances aims to empower individuals to recognize and resist scams.

The Growing Threat of Scams

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, the risk of scams has grown exponentially. Frances emphasizes that with technology becoming more sophisticated, the tactics used by scammers have also evolved. They now employ AI, allowing them to mimic familiar voices and accents, making it harder to detect fraud.

She advises everyone—especially seniors—to remain vigilant. Simple precautions, such as verifying the legitimacy of requests for money or personal information, can make a significant difference. "Always trust your instincts; if something feels off, take a moment to verify it," she urges.

Driving Change in the Community

Since her inception, White Byte has reached nearly 4,000 people through its workshops. Frances has expanded her offerings to include digital literacy classes tailored for low-income women, aiming to better prepare them for the workforce and protect their digital lives.

Despite the emotional fulfillment and social impact of her work, Frances acknowledges the financial sacrifice she's made compared to her previous banking career. Yet, driven by a sense of purpose, she finds solace in her mission. "This isn't just about my mother anymore—it's about fighting for the entire community," she asserts.

The tide is slowly turning; 30 passionate volunteers have joined her cause, amplifying her efforts to make the digital world safer for all.

Frances Yong's story is a testament to resilience and determination. In the face of personal tragedy, she has forged a path not only for her mother but for countless others, ensuring that they have the tools and knowledge to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.